Most of my stitching time this past week has found me working on my minimalist improv quilt, the one inspired by the slice-and-insert Improv with Intent charity quilt block. In the process, I’ve had to improvise to deal with a couple of surprises.
First, I noticed that the quilting lines on one side of the quilt were slightly curved. It may be hard to see the curves in this picture, but trust me, they are there!
I kept quilting for a while thinking that maybe the curved lines were in my imagination. From some angles they looked straight, but from other angles I could see the slight bend in the lines. If you know me, you know that I like my straight lines to be straight! So I put the pins back in and spent a couple of hours ripping out that curvy stitching. It was a pain. But not as much of a pain as I would have felt every time I looked at those curved lines on my finished quilt!
Second, I had a mishap with a marking tool – it wouldn’t erase when it was time. Isn’t that every quilter’s nightmare?!?
I rubbed quite a bit with water, but in the end, it was a stain remover that got the mark out. I added some matchstick quilting to the affected section. I love the effect!
This is the first time that I’ve done this kind of matchstick quilting in only one area of the quilt. I’m calling it minimal matchstick.
After all that quilting, this quilt needed some blocking. I usually block my quilts by spraying them with water and pinning them in place. This quilt, though, needed some serious cleaning up. So I threw it in the machine on the delicate cycle and laid it out to dry on the floor. That was the first time that I washed a quilt before binding it. I’m guessing it won’t be the last!
What about you? How have you had to improvise in your quilt making?
Linking to W.i.P. Wednesday
11 comments
Isn't ripping quilting the worst! but worth it when you know how much leaving it will bug you- I usually spend way too long debating with myself on this. I love the improvised fix with your matchstick quilting- very effective!
I think we all dread the ripping out process, I seem to do a lot of it but once something is spotted that does not look right it is noticed every time you see the quilt even though no one else can see it. I have not washed prior to binng before, yesterday washed a quilt but the machine has not spun it so it is very wet! Cannot peg out due to rain so it is dripping all over the floor. Fortunately it is only 36" square
I admire you for doing all that ripping but know that even though it was tedious, the amount of pride I would feel if I were you would more than surpass that when I looked at the finished quilt.
Can't wait to see your finish, the improv and quilting look great. Love the matchstick quilting.
Your quilting is gorgeous! Love the bit of matchstick added. I try to have a firm plan on quilting, but there are times when you have to change it up last minute!
That quilting is phenomenal! Great tips on blocking, too. Thanks!
Your quilts are breath taking. I never would have thought pure white with a small red line could be so beautiful. You are a true artist.
I love the "minimal matchstick " quilting !
Your quilt is perfect! I wish I could do the same for my son as his first ever Christmas gift. He'll be just 2 month by that time) Why didn't they add a point about getting the perfect blanket to this helpful list, that I followed: http://rocketparents.com/6-things-to-know-and-do-before-getting-pregnant/…
Beautiful quilting and I am so impressed that you washed before binding and it worked! Have wanted to do that and been too chicken. Will have to try the next time I want to do that.
Beautiful quilting and I am so impressed that you washed before binding and it worked! Have wanted to do that and been too chicken. Will have to try the next time I want to do that.
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